A bit more about The Proteome Project – Human Protein

[Guest guest]

Because I referenced this for Sherry in my last message -thought I'd look into

it a bit more. So interesting that the one protein they mention in dietary is

" whey " and I didn't search for that.

The Proteome Project – Human Protein

Just when we`re finally familiar with the term genome (a blueprint of human DNA

structure), here comes another phrase out of the mists of scientific research -

the Human Proteome Project.

Just when we're finally familiar with the term genome (a blueprint of human DNA

structure), here comes another phrase out of the mists of scientific research:

the Human Proteome Project. It's so new, my computer spell-check thinks it's a

typo.

The August 2001 issue of Scientific American identifies the Human Proteome

Project as the next large international research effort, of the same magnitude

as the genome project. The objective of this project is to systematically

identify all the proteins and their cellular interactions in the human body.

Early estimates suggest that there are 300,000 to 400,000 identifiable proteins

which may individually interact with five to ten protein partners. That are four

million cellular interactions, and the research is only getting started.

Why are human proteins the subject of the next scientific mega-project?

According to Professor Ian Humphery- of the University of Utrecht,

" Proteins are central to our understanding of cellular function and disease

process. " 1. The project is attracting the cooperation of Harvard Medical School,

the universities of Geneva and Tokyo, and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer

Research, to name just a few.

We have known for some time that human protein interactions go well beyond

building muscle tissue. The Human Proteome Project is about to create an

explosion of interest in the intricate universe of human protein function. There

is already a base of research that demonstrates how high-biological dietary

proteins can positively effect human immune function, fighting cancer, bacteria,

and viral activity, as well as reducing cholesterol and slowing aging. It is

interesting to see the direct links between human protein function and dietary

protein intake.

Recent studies have identified a master switch for human immune function, a

protein called CD4. One protein subfraction called lactoferrin, also known as a

micropeptide, is found in high biological value whey protein and human breast

milk. It is found to enhance the function of CD4, improving overall immune

function.2

Whey protein has repeatedly demonstrated a capacity to fight cancer. In one

study, breast cancer cell growth was inhibited with the introduction of low

quantities of dietary whey protein.3 Another study showed a regression of

cancerous growths with the addition of 30g per day of whey protein.4

Cellular interactions in humans are extremely complex. For example, we know that

glutathione, a protein produced in the body, is extremely important for healthy

immune function. We also know that cancerous tumour cells have unusually high

levels of glutathione. This often diminishes the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

What is therapeutically needed is a substance that would raise the levels of

glutathione in healthy cells while lowering the levels in the cancerous cells.

The function is that of an adaptagen, which brings cells back into balance. A

study in anti-cancer research showed that high biological value whey proteins

appear to function in exactly this manner.5 Other dietary proteins did not

appear to have a similar effect. However, it is not understood how whey peptides

have such an effect. Hopefully, this information will come with the extensive

research of the Human Proteome Project.

Other disease-fighting properties of dietary whey protein include anti-bacterial

and anti-viral functions. Lactoferrin can be considered a medicinal food.

Several studies reveal that lactoferrin balances iron functions. In the instance

of bacterial infections such as e-coli, salmonella or streptococcus,

lactoferrin's iron-binding properties destroy the bacterial membrane, inhibiting

growth and function.6 Lactoferrin has also been identified as a potent dietary

anti-oxidant.7

Cell-preserving and disease-inhibiting properties contribute to the overall

anti-aging function of dietary protein. Optimal cellular regeneration and

function, over time, appear to be supported by the regular consumption of high

biological value whey protein. A study of mice demonstrated a significant

longevity increase, corresponding to a 25-year increase in human longevity.8

The Human Proteome Project will not only expand our understanding of the

universe of cellular function and disease but also identify the foods that

rebuild and regenerate the body.

http://www.vistamagonline.com/vista_articles/page.php?tp=4 & p=1 & id=20 & s=the_prote\

ome_project_%96_human_protein

How it ties into http://pursuitofresearch.org/science.html (I have to add more

to this page!!)

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